Runoff of fertiliser from farmland enters the water and causes increased growth of algae and water plants
The resulting ‘algal bloom’ blocks sunlight so water plants on the bottom start to die, as does the algae when competition for nutrients becomes too intense
As water plants and algae die in greater numbers, decomposing bacteria increase in number and use up the dissolved oxygen whilst respiring aerobically
As a result there is less oxygen dissolved in water, so aquatic organisms such as fish and insects may be unable to breathe and would die
What is an algal bloom and how is it related to eutrophication?
What are the environmental impacts of eutrophication on aquatic ecosystems?
How does eutrophication affect the oxygen levels in water bodies?
What is the difference between natural and anthropogenic eutrophication?
What measures can be taken to prevent or reduce eutrophication?
How does eutrophication lead to the formation of ‘dead zones’ in water bodies?
What role do nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus play in eutrophication?